The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with 5G technologies

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the world in an unexpected manner. The human race is battling against the pandemic while schools, universities, industries, hospitals, and governments are seeking new methods and technologies to seamlessly continue their usual operations. In response, this article presents how 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) related technologies can be efficiently utilized and developed to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Several use-cases on how 5G and IoT can be enablers to provide innovative solutions in the areas of telehealth, contact tracing, education, retail and supply chains, e-government/remote office/information sharing, smart manufacturing and factory automation, e-tourism, and entertainment are presented along with their technical requirements and challenges. It is envisaged that the proposed solutions will be instrumental to facilitate the usual lifestyle, work, and other day-to-day activities of humans in the postpandemic world.